Category Lead – R&D Facilities & Services Procurement

Category Lead – R&D Facilities & Services Procurement

Global Scope | Strategic Role | High Visibility | Location: London (Hybrid)

Salary: £70,000–£90,000 + Car Allowance + Shares + Bonus (up to 30%)

Are you a commercially and strategically minded procurement professional who can quickly pick up new categories and add real value in a fast-moving, global R&D environment?

My client is a truly global, award-winning procurement organisation, recognised for best-in-class processes, innovation, and strategic impact. They are looking for talented, switched-on individuals who can own a global category, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver measurable impact across multiple countries. Experience in regulated environments is highly valued to support the compliance and governance aspects of the role.

Note: Candidates must have full right to work in the UK.

The Opportunity

As Category Lead – R&D Facilities & Services Procurement, you will:

• Take ownership of a global R&D Facilities and Services category and deliver the strategy, learning the details of the category as you go.
• Lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract lifecycle for hard and soft FM services, laboratory support, workplace services, and specialist operational providers.
• Manage complex supplier negotiations and long-term agreements, driving commercial value, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Partner with senior R&D, Operations, and Facilities leaders as a trusted advisor, embedding procurement into decision-making and long-term planning.
• Drive continuous improvement, supplier innovation, and best-in-class practices across multiple regions.
• Navigate a highly regulated, global R&D environment while contributing to award-winning procurement processes.

What My Client is Looking For

My client is looking for bright, commercially minded procurement professionals who are confident, adaptable, and able to pick up categories quickly. The ideal candidate will also have:

• Experience in regulated environments, ideally within R&D, Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, Healthcare, or Manufacturing.
• Procurement experience in Facilities Management, Professional Services, or related operational categories.
• Ability to manage complex service contracts and lead supplier negotiations.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence senior leaders.
• Commercially astute, strategic thinker with a data-driven, value-focused approach.
• Degree qualified.
• Coming off a graduate programme is considered beneficial.
• Full right to work in the UK.

Why This Role is Exceptional

This is a rare opportunity to join a best-in-class, globally recognised procurement function and make a real impact in R&D operations. My client is looking for individuals who can pick up categories quickly, bring experience from regulated environments, add strategic value, and accelerate their career in a high-profile, global setting.

To apply, please send your CV to

[email protected]